Voluntary No. 5 in D major (Ten Voluntaries for the Organ or Harpsichord)

The important and highly respected William Boyce (1711-1779) was a significant composer and musician of his time. His works and contributions still stand tall today.

Rather than give the same biographical information in each of these uploads, I thought it perhaps more "interesting" to share a few thoughts that I had about the music, and how I got the sounds that you are hearing.

I think that the Hereford Willis is actually an excellent instrument for 18th century music, and the sounds are all there - you just have to be slightly creative to make it all work, and do so WITHOUT pushing buttons, which would not have been possible in the composer's time.

This voluntary is a "Trumpet Voluntary," but it is a very unusual one - in texture, harmony, figuration and "approach". As always, the "prelude" is played upon the Diapasons. When the score says "Diapasons" the term would mean the 8' Open Diapason/s and the 8' Stopped Diapason as well. It might include a light 4' as well. Here the Diapasons are on the Great, using the 2nd & 3rd Opens plus the Stopped.

The Trumpet is on the Swell, and the "Echo" is the Choir Trumpet - a stop I don't really care for but that works well here.

The "bass" is played upon the Great Diapasons throughout.

When the trumpet part starts, you'll think it's too slow, but it's not - as you'll soon see. The melodic content reminds me of "Thine is the glory," and the the "part writing" and manual changes are "sticky" but really beautiful and highly unique amongst trumpet voluntaries - at least to my hearing of it.

You really need to look at the score which is attached below, as well as a photo of a portrait of William Boyce.

I never really "played" these pieces. A few of them I used as "prelude/postlude music," but it surprises me to find them as challenging as I am! They require a clean and "polished" touch, and would make great learning pieces, that are highly suitable for recitals or church use.